Learn how to crochet
To learn crochet, start with a medium-weight light-coloured yarn and a 5 mm hook, then practise the slip knot, chain, single crochet and double crochet in that order. Work straight rows until your stitches look even, then follow a simple pattern such as a dishcloth before trying projects worked in the round.
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How to crochet: a step-by-step guide
To crochet, make a slip knot on a crochet hook, crochet a foundation chain, then work stitches into that chain by wrapping yarn over the hook and pulling loops through.
How to crochet a granny square: step-by-step tutorial for beginners
To crochet a classic granny square, chain 4 and join into a ring, then work four groups of 3 double crochet separated by chain-2 corners.
Crochet for beginners: everything to start
Beginners start crocheting with a 5 mm hook, a skein of smooth light-colored worsted yarn, scissors and a tapestry needle.
How to crochet a blanket
To crochet a blanket, choose a size and yarn, crochet a gauge swatch, and calculate the foundation chain from stitches per inch multiplied by the target width.
How to crochet a heart
To crochet a small heart, make a magic ring and work into it: chain 3, 3 treble crochet, 3 double crochet, chain 1, 1 treble crochet for the point, chain 1, 3 double crochet, 3 treble crochet and chain 3.
How to make a slip knot and start a crochet chain
To start a crochet chain, make a slip knot on the hook, wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front, and pull it through the loop on the hook.
How to crochet a hat
To crochet a hat, start at the top with a magic ring and work increase rounds until the flat circle diameter equals the target hat circumference divided by 3.14.
How to crochet a circle that lies flat
To crochet a flat circle in single crochet, work 6 single crochet into a magic ring, then increase by 6 stitches in every round: 2 sc in each stitch on round 2, then one more plain stitch between increases on each following round.
What to crochet: project ideas for every skill level
Choose what to crochet by matching the project to your skill level and available time.
How to join granny squares together: 5 methods, step by step
To join granny squares, block them to the same size, then either sew them with a whip stitch or mattress stitch through the back loops, or crochet them together with slip stitches or single crochet through both edges.
Safety eyes for crochet and amigurumi: how to add eyes
To add safety eyes to crochet, push the eye's post through the fabric between two stitches before you stuff and close the piece, check the placement, then press the washer firmly onto the post from the inside until it clicks.
How to read crochet patterns
Read a crochet pattern by checking the materials, gauge and abbreviation key first, then following each row or round in order.
How to change colors and join new yarn in crochet
To change colors in crochet, work the last stitch in the old color until two loops remain on the hook, then yarn over with the new color and pull it through to finish the stitch.
What is crochet?
Crochet is a method of making fabric by pulling loops of yarn or thread through other loops with a single hooked tool called a crochet hook.
How to fasten off crochet
To fasten off crochet, finish the last stitch, cut the working yarn leaving a 6 inch tail, then yarn over and pull the tail completely through the loop on the hook.
What yarn is best for making a crochet sweater?
The best yarn for a crochet sweater is usually a DK (#3) or worsted (#4) weight in merino or superwash wool, a wool blend, or a soft acrylic blend.
How to choose crochet yarn
Choose crochet yarn by matching the yarn weight and yardage to the pattern, picking a fiber suited to the item's use and care, and checking that the yarn is smooth, evenly spun and consistent in thickness.
How to weave in ends in crochet
To weave in ends in crochet, thread the yarn tail onto a blunt tapestry needle and weave it through the backs of stitches for about 2 inches in one direction.
How to make a pom pom out of yarn
To make a yarn pom pom, wrap yarn many times around a piece of cardboard, a fork or a pom pom maker, tie the bundle tightly around the middle with a strong strand, cut through all the loops, then fluff and trim it into a ball.
What is crochet gauge and how do you measure it?
Crochet gauge is the number of stitches and rows in a set measurement, usually 4 inches or 10 centimeters, using a specific yarn, hook and stitch.
Can you bring crochet hooks on a plane?
Yes.
How to block crochet
To block crochet, wet or dampen the finished piece, gently press out excess water, and pin it to the exact finished measurements on a blocking mat.
How to hold a crochet hook and yarn
Hold the crochet hook in your dominant hand with a pencil grip or a knife grip, whichever keeps your wrist relaxed.
How to wash crochet without ruining it
Wash crochet according to the yarn label: most acrylic and superwash wool can be machine washed cold in a mesh laundry bag on a gentle cycle, while non-superwash wool and delicate fibers need a cool hand wash.
How to fix crochet mistakes
Fix crochet mistakes by removing the hook, gently pulling the working yarn to unravel stitches back to the error, and reinserting the hook into the last good loop.
How to count crochet stitches and rows
To count crochet stitches, count the V shapes along the top of the row, one V per stitch, and skip the loop on the hook.
Crochet thread sizes and the hooks that match them
Crochet thread is numbered by thickness, and the higher the number the finer the thread.
How to crochet a doily for beginners
To crochet a doily, use size 10 crochet cotton and a 1.75 mm steel hook, start with a small chain ring or magic ring, and work rounds outward, adding stitches evenly so the piece stays flat.
How to crochet a shawl for beginners
To crochet a shawl, choose a shape first: a triangle shawl grows from the centre of the neck edge with increases at both ends and the centre of every row, while a rectangular wrap is simply long rows of one stitch.
How to write your own crochet pattern
To write a crochet pattern, make and measure the item first, recording every row as you go.
How to make a crochet pattern bigger or smaller
To make a crochet pattern bigger, use a larger hook with thicker yarn, or keep the same yarn and add stitches and rows.
What do you need to start crocheting?
You need one crochet hook, one ball of yarn, scissors and a blunt tapestry needle to start crocheting. A 5 mm (US H-8) hook with smooth, light-coloured worsted-weight (#4) yarn makes stitches easiest to see.
Avoid dark, fuzzy or very thin yarn for your first attempts, because individual stitches are hard to identify.
| Item | What to buy | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Hook | 5 mm / US H-8 | Matches worsted yarn; large enough to see stitches |
| Yarn | Smooth #4 worsted, light colour, acrylic or cotton | Stitches are visible and yarn does not split |
| Needle | Blunt tapestry needle | Weaving in ends |
| Scissors | Any small pair | Cutting yarn |
| Stitch markers | Locking markers | Marking the first stitch of a round |
In what order should you learn crochet stitches?
Learn crochet stitches in order of height: chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, then treble crochet. Each taller stitch adds one more yarn over to the one before it, so each builds on the last.
After the basic stitches, learn the magic ring and increasing, which together unlock hats, circles and amigurumi.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to learn to crochet?
Most people can make the basic stitches in an afternoon. Even tension usually takes a few weeks of regular practice.
Is crochet easier than knitting?
Many beginners find crochet easier to start because there is only one hook and one live loop, so dropped stitches are rare. See the crochet vs knitting comparison for detail.